Early Planted Acres May Lose Replant Insurance

AMES, Iowa -- Unusually warm and dry weather has allowed crop producers to start spring field work earlier than can be remembered by most people. “Getting an early start on tillage and planting reduces the risk of getting behind schedule later if an extended period of rainy weather occurs, but it also has its risks,” said William Edwards, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach farm business economist.

The Risk Management Agency (USDA) has some specific rules about early planted crops with regard to crop insurance coverage. For each insurable crop, RMA has set an “early planting date.” The earliest planting dates allowed for counties in the state of Iowa are April 11 for corn and April 21 for soybeans. Dates will vary in other states, and by county within a state.

“Acres planted before these dates are no longer eligible for replant coverage payments should it be necessary to replant them,” said Edwards. “The maximum replant payments each year are equal to 8 bushels of corn and 3 bushels of soybeans, times the RMA projected price for that year, which is the price used to establish the value of the insurance guarantees that the producer purchases.” For 2012 the projected prices are $5.68 per bushel for corn and $12.55 for soybeans, so the maximum replant payments are $45.44 and $37.65 per acre, respectively.

Any acres that are planted before the earliest planting dates lose replant coverage, even if the entire farm or insurance unit has not been planted. However, early planting does not affect a producer’s normal yield or revenue insurance guarantee. That guarantee is still in effect, and any indemnity payments will depend on the final harvested yield. Normal good management practices must still be followed, included replanting of crops if the potential yield increase is enough to offset the costs of replanting.

Records should be kept of when all acres are planted. Check with local crop insurance agents for questions.